At a local level

Inverloch Foodworks supermarket is donating the money raised from the sale of green compostable checkout bags to the Clean Ocean Foundation to support its education program. Bob Manhal, the COF education co-ordinator, says the COF aims to raise awareness of the impacts plastic pollution is having on our ocean environment. It is making the community more aware of alternatives to using plastic.The COF is working in partnership with Plastic Bag Free Bass Coast which is focused on replacing single use plastic bags with boomerang bags made from recycled fabric. So far, more than 11,000 bags have been made and distributed in the Bass Coast Shire.Education Officers Aileen Vening and Michelle Ward have spoken to students at Bass Valley and Bilson St Primary Schools, Inverloch Kindergarten and both campuses of Wonthaggi Secondary College. Students are clearly concerned about this issue and are looking for ways to reduce plastic pollution.A presentation to the Inverloch Community Hub AGM was also well received with lively discussion and positive feedback from those attending.The Clean Ocean Foundation greatly appreciates Foodworks’ sponsorship of this important educational work and intends to expand the program to more schools and community groups in 2019.